Bring on warm memories this season with a favorite Holiday ham & savory sides

2Traditional holiday menu items have the power to evoke warm memories of holidays past while continuing to bring people together year after year.

For many, the center of that coveted holiday table would not be complete without a sweet and savory spiral-sliced ham.

But what kind of holiday spread would it be without a plethora of delicious side dishes to accompany and complement the meal?

Whether you prefer ham with notes of honey, nuts or fruit, make sure your dinner table boasts a variety of options that enhance its delectable flavor.

Look for recipes that incorporate both traditional and unexpected ingredients for a holiday menu makeover. Doing so will keep guests pleased with familiar favorites, yet pleasantly surprised with the new variations.

Savory side selections

If you’re looking for a savory side that spotlights the distinct flavors of the season, butternut squash is an excellent choice.

White Beans with Bacon and Butternut Squash is a perfect blend of savory, sweet and salty.

Break away from mundane mashed potatoes and gravy with this recipe for Smashed Bacon Ranch Potatoes.

Family and friends will line up for seconds when they get a taste of the ranch dressing and smoky bacon combination.

Or, try this recipe for Green Bean Corn Casserole for another new twist on a classic holiday favorite.

Holiday Spiral Sliced Ham with Honey Glaze

Cook time: 10 to 12 minutes per pound

Yield: 14 servings

1 Smithfield Spiral Sliced Ham with Honey Glaze

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Remove packaging; reserve liquid.

Place ham cut-side down on large sheet of foil in roasting pan, pour reserved liquid over ham and wrap completely with foil.

Warm ham in oven for 10 to 12 minutes per pound. Do not overheat.

After removing from oven, let sit for 5 minutes before glazing.

Heat glaze packet for 15 seconds in microwave. Glaze is hot, so be careful when opening packet. Holding packet with towel or oven mitt, cut corner off packet and pour glaze into bowl. Stir well and spoon over ham.

Let glazed ham sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow glaze to melt over ham.

SMASHED BACON RANCH POTATOES

Cook time: 20 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

11/2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 11/2-inch pieces

4 to 6 slices Smithfield Naturally Hickory Smoked Bacon

1/4 cup bottled ranch dressing

2 tablespoons buttermilk or whole milk

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

Salt and pepper

Cook potatoes in boiling, salted water until very tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain; return to saucepan and mash coarsely.

Cook bacon in a large heavy skillet over medium heat until browned; drain and crumble. Pour off drippings from skillet, leaving clinging particles in skillet.

Add potatoes, salad dressing, buttermilk and vinegar to skillet; stir until well blended.

Cook, stirring constantly, until hot. Add salt and pepper to taste.

White Beans with Bacon and Butternut Squash

Cook time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 slices Smithfield bacon, chopped

1 pound diced butternut squash

1/2 cup onion, chopped

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon curry powder

1/2 cup chicken stock

2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups fresh spinach, stems removed and chopped

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon to skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until crumbly; remove from skillet, drain on paper towels and reserve 2 tablespoons of drippings in skillet.